Dr Robin MacLachlan

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Dr Robin MacLachlan on 26 March 2025 at age 91.  Dr MacLachlan was the 1952 Otaki Scholar at Robert Gordon's College in Aberdeen, Scotland.  Having visited New Zealand as the Otaki Scholar, he later returned to settle here.  Dr MacLachlan spent many years as a highly respected and much liked GP in Whanganui.  In recent years he was an active supporter of the College, whenever possible travelling from Whanganui with his second wife, Jan, to attend our SS Otaki Commemorations.  His presence will be very much missed at future events.

The story of his trip to New Zealand as Otaki Scholar and his later decision to immigrate here was chronicled by Rex Kerr in his book A Ship, A Man & A Boy.  The story can be read here.

In the words of the Head of Robert Gordon’s College, Robin Macpherson, sent to Jan MacLachlan:

 “... It is with great sadness that we learned of Robin’s passing. Our connections with New Zealand are a unique feature of the College, and it was a great distinction for Robin to have been the 1952 Otaki Scholar. I had the great privilege of visiting Otaki two years ago and was deeply impressed by the strength of the connection that exists between our two communities owing to the rich history of the SS Otaki. Robin was a much valued and important part of that tradition.

I think it is wonderful that he chose to build his life in New Zealand, serving the community in Whanganui with such commitment over many years, and we are very proud of what he achieved. I was speaking with Walter Stephen, a fellow Otaki Scholar and a GP, who spoke fondly of his meetings with Robin, and he keenly feels his loss too. We will make sure to mark Robin’s passing in a future edition of the former pupil magazine, the Pelican, so that his incredible life story is widely known in the RGC community.”